8 Night Family Itinerary

This 9 day, 8 night itinerary will provide you with an example of how to experience Tasmania with kids. It assumes commencement in Launceston; however can be tailored to begin at any location.

You can refer to our regional guides for ideas on what to do and see in a region to extend your itinerary further.

From Launceston Airport, travel along the A1 north into the Launceston city.

Your first stop in Launceston should be the stunning Cataract Gorge. The Cataract Gorge is a beautiful nature reserve and unique feature of Launceston, with many picturesque walks, the famous suspension bridge, a café and restaurant, and the longest single-span chairlift in the southern hemisphere. The fully fenced swimming pools are open to the public during the warmer months.

Close by, the Penny Royal Adventures offers further dining options, the Matthew Brady Dark Ride, gold panning and gemstone fossicking, the barefoot sensation, kids play area and trips on the newly restored Brig Tamar. For the more adventurous, try the cliff walk, rock climbing, zipline and the quick drop.
Travel north of Launceston on the A7, stopping at the Tamar Island Wetlands for a stroll along an easy and accessible boardwalk through a unique urban wetlands abundant with birdlife. Continue on the A7 to Grindelwald Swiss Village, a Swiss themed resort with a range of activities including mini golf, paddle boat hire, canoeing and jumping pillow available for children. Further afield is Beaconsfield, known for gold mining and the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre. Further north is Beauty Point, home to Seahorse World and Platypus House. Return south to Launceston for the night.

Other exciting activities to enjoy around Launceston are:
Tamar River Cruises
Riverbend Park
City Park and the Macaque Monkey enclosure
Queen Victoria Museum + Art Gallery
Tailrace Centre – a play area for children
Tasmania Zoo
Hollybank Treetops Adventures

Head north on the B81 to the Hollybank Treetops Adventure, for an exciting zipline ride or the more gentle Segway Tour to experience the native forest. There is something for everyone to enjoy from 4-75yrs+. 10 minutes from Underwood is Lilydale falls the first waterfall is a 6 – 10 minute walk from the carpark, and via a well maintained path, followed by a staircase that takes you directly to the base of the waterfall. Complete your last day in Launceston by heading back on the A7 for a stop at and dining at one of the city’s wonderful restaurants, both in the city centre and the Seaport.

From Launceston, travel on the A1 towards Elizabeth Town. Here you are spoiled for choice for a lunch stop – either at the popular ETC Bakery or the delicious Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm & Restaurant. Finish off with an ice-cream at the Van Diemen’s Land Creamery for some Tasmanian artisan ice cream & gelato and a must do is a stop at the very delicious House of Anvers . Continue on the A1, stopping at Ashgrove Cheese farm for a sample of fine Tasmanian cheese. Back on the highway detour west of Deloraine on the B12 to Mole Creek to take a tour of the Marakoopa or King Solomon Caves to observe the underground rivers, great cathedrals and glow worms. Here you will also find the Trowunna Wildlife Park, the Chudleigh Honey Farm.

From Latrobe, drive to Sheffield, known as the town of murals – with its social history depicted in more than 40 extensive outdoor murals on the walls of shops and public buildings.

From Sheffield, visit Tazmazia, the world’s largest complex of mazes with eight individual mazes to conquer – and the Village of Lower Crackpot, a miniature village hidden deep inside the hedges.

Settle in for the night at our member property the Silver Ridge Retreat. Nestled on the slope of majestic Mount Roland near Sheffield, the cottages are just a short 35-minute drive from Cradle Mountain.

Today, make your way southwards into the iconic Cradle Mountain National Park.

Park at the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre to pick up your entrance pass (if you have not already purchased a Tasmanian National Parks Holiday Pass) and purchase your shuttle bus ticket. From here, you can enjoy one of the many scenic walks in the area; the most popular being the 6km Dove Lake Circuit taking you right around the lake beneath towering spires of Cradle Mountain.

After dark, take a Tasmanian devil feeding tour with Devils@Cradle. You will need to book to ensure you don’t miss out on this rare up-close opportunity of seeing Tasmanian devils in a group feeding situation – quite a spectacular sight. Alternatively, the sanctuary is open from 9:30 with ‘keeper tours’ being conducted at 10:30 and 15:00.

Return to your overnight accommodation at Silver Ridge Retreat, at Mount Roland

Leave the peaceful surrounds of Mount Roland and follow the A10 highway to travel through Queenstown and then head west on the B24 to Strahan.

At Tullah, see the Wee Georgie Wood Steam Railway that once transported pioneers into Tullah – the only mechanical access to the town up until the 1960s.  This is a great stop for a rest, something to eat and to use the public amenities.

Not far away is Rosebery, a town of contrasts, famous for its beautiful natural setting and harsh mining history. The scenic loop above the town provides spectacular views. For families with older children, Montezuma Falls – one of Tasmania’s tallest waterfalls is not far from the town and is a 3 hour return walk through leatherwood, sassafrass and myrtle rainforest and giant ferns.

Continue on to Queenstown, a unique landscape of rugged hills and dramatic mountains that was once the world’s richest mining town. While here check out the impressive Ironblow lookout at Gormie Hill and the horsetail falls walking track – a great short walk for all ages or perhaps partake in an underground mine tour.

Overnight accommodation in Strahan at either Marsden Court or Sharonlee Strahan Villas.

This morning, walk down to Strahan’s main strip and explore the number of boutique shops and craft centres, including the Cove Gallery, Wilderness Woodworks and Strahan Woodworks. Enjoy a live performance of ‘The Ship That Never Was’, the dramatic and hilarious true story of the Great Escape from Sarah Island, or head down to the Strahan Wharf where you can opt for a World Heritage or Gordon River Cruise.

Begin the morning with a breathtaking journey aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway to explore the rugged wilderness of the World Heritage Area. These West Coast Wilderness Railway journeys are great for the whole family, no matter what age, or if you are an avid train lover or not! There is so much more to experience. Afterwards make the trek to Hogarth Falls, Ocean Beach and Henty Dunes.

Start your morning by looking around Hobart’s popular Salamanca Place, where you will find studios and shops displaying a great variety of Tasmanian art and crafts.. The famous Salamanca Markets is a must do on a Saturday morning for local craft, produce and entertainment.

Explore the city of Hobart, perhaps experiencing one of the following activities:

Shot Tower
Blundstone Arena Tour
Margate Train & Pancake House
TMAG (Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery)
Red decker hop-on hop-off
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
MONA (Museum of Old & New Art) – Just check the free printed guide which maps out the artworks suitable for kids under 15.
Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum

There are many cruising options in and around Hobart that allow you to explore the region in ease – Bruny Island, Tasman Island, Iron Pot cruises and Peppermint Bay Cruises. For the more adventurous and families with older children why not head to the picturesque Huon Valley for a Huon River Jet Boat ride.

For your final day, explore the areas of Hobart you missed on your first day, prior to your departure.

For driving times, please visit our Travelling to Tasmania page.